Obituary of Betty Catherine Brown

Betty Catherine (McMahon) Brown, a resident of Oakville, Ontario, and formerly of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2020, with her daughter Sandra at her side, at the age of 91 years.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in January of the notorious year 1929, Betty soon travelled eastward, pausing in Calgary, Alberta, for her childhood years, but settling in Toronto, Ontario, in 1937, the city she would call home for most of her life. Betty graduated with her degree in Journalism from The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, and pursued a career as an advertising copywriter in Toronto. While her father, Samuel McMahon, proudly crafted a life-long career with Canadian Pacific Express (Toronto), ultimately retiring as President and General Manager of that Canadian institution, Betty would chance a fateful blind date with another earnest man of ambition, Logan Brown, who would retire as Chairman of Robin Hood Multifoods (Toronto). Married in 1951, Betty and Logan created a loving partnership that gave rise to many joyful successes in both family and business life. Inseparable up to the day of Logan’s passing, the happy couple would make a series of career moves: from Toronto, to Chatham, Ontario; a brief venture to Chicago, Illinois; a cherished ten years in Montreal, Quebec; and then finally closing the circle in 1979 with a return to Toronto – home sweet home and just two doors down from parents “Sam” and “Billy” in the community once known as Lawrence Park. Betty and Logan would realize a dream to own a southern getaway property, and although not dedicated Snow Birds, enjoyed many happy months of sun, sand, and friendship in Naples, Florida. In retirement, Betty and Logan, hand in hand, had many adventures by land and by cruise, often inspired by their mutual passion for opera and the arts. Memberships at Royal Montreal Golf Club, Granite Club, Rosedale Golf Club, and the Toronto Hunt Club provided many joyful memories generously shared with family and friends.

Betty and Logan raised three children: Jordan, Christopher, and Sandra. Betty proved to be a perceptive advisor and tireless worrier. These skills would be lovingly extended to her eight grandchildren: Michelle, Nicole, Alison, Chris Jr., Kayleah, Benjamin, Jonah, and Quinten. Gran will be deeply missed by all, but gladly welcomed in the hereafter by her devoted husband Logan Rae (d. 2012) and her dear first-born, Jordan Philip (d. 2002).

With pandemic restrictions in place, a small memorial service will take place at noontime, Friday, June 5, 2020, Humphrey Funeral Home A. W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, Toronto, with interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery where Betty will rest in peace and love, forever at her husband’s side.

“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.”    –Mary Baker Eddy

 Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.